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Connecting to the Internet

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Help Playing with Friends

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Browsing the Internet

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System Updates

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What You Need to Connect Your System to the Internet

A Nintendo 3DS system

An online capable game (if you wish to play multiplayer)

A broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL, FIOS)

A wireless access point to a broadband Internet connection. Most people will use a wireless router or a Hotspot location.

A typical online connection for a Nintendo 3DS

More about wireless routers:

Most wireless routers are likely compatible with the Nintendo 3DS and its online features. We have compiled information on dozens of wireless routers and what to look for when shopping for a router. Click here to read our wireless router information.

Click here for more information about how to install the software, or to view previous versions of the software.

Setting up a connection file and granting permission

A broadband Internet connection, a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, and the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector are required. Follow the steps below to get connected.

Turn on your Nintendo 3DS and access the System Settings by tapping the wrench icon.

Tap "Internet Settings."

Tap "Connection Settings."

Tap "New Connection."

Tap "Manual Setup."

Tap "Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector."

Plug the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector into an open USB port on your PC, then click "Next."

On your PC, click on the Registration Tool icon in the lower-right corner of the Windows task bar to open up the registration tool.

On the Nintendo 3DS system, tap "Next."

A screen will appear that says, "Setting up…"

On your PC, the Nintendo 3DS system's nickname should appear in the registration tool. Click on the nickname and select "Grant permission to connect."

A blue, standing man icon should appear in the registration tool next to the system's nickname.

That's it! You're now connected to the Internet.

If you encounter any error codes or any other problems while connecting your Nintendo 3DS to your Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector, please contact us for assistance.

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Nintendo 3DS and wireless security compatibility (WEP & WPA)

Will I still need to use WEP security if I want to play my Nintendo DS games online?

This will depend on the game. Please use the chart below to determine which type of game card you have.

Nintendo 3DS Game Card
Nintendo 3DS Game Cards are compatible with WPA security.

Nintendo DS Game Card
Nintendo DS Game Cards are not compatible with WPA security. To use the online features of these games, you will need to use WEP security or no security (more info).

Nintendo DSi Game Card
Nintendo DSi Game Cards are compatible with WPA security.

(NOTE: The ability to play games over the Internet depends on the software title. See the instruction manual for the software you are using for more information.)

What about Nintendo 3DS online features?

There's no need to worry – all Nintendo 3DS online features are compatible with WPA security. The only time you'll encounter a problem connecting to WPA security with your Nintendo 3DS system would be when using the online features of a Nintendo DS game card.

What alternatives do I have to using WEP when playing my Nintendo DS games online?

If you prefer not to use WEP security, there are other options to secure your network.

Enable MAC filtering on your network to only allow specific devices to connect. You can find the MAC address of your Nintendo 3DS from the Internet settings (more info). Please consult your router's operations manual for information on where to enter the MAC address of the Nintendo 3DS (and any other MAC addresses you'd like to add to the list of allowed devices).

Turn your wireless router's "broadcast" setting to "off." This means your network's name will not be shown when other devices search for it; you must know it and enter it exactly into any device you wish to connect to the network. Please consult your router's operations manual for additional information.

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How to Adjust Manual Settings on Your Nintendo 3DS

The steps to take for manually adjusting your IP Address and DNS settings will vary depending on whether you're using a standard Nintendo 3DS connection file (for Nintendo 3DS games, features, and applications) or a Nintendo DS connection file (for playing online-capable Nintendo DS games with your Nintendo 3DS).